There are a few requirements to join (or enlist) in the military. You must:

1. Be 18 (17 with parental consent).

2. Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.

3. Have a high school diploma (preferred), but a high school equivalent such as the GED may be accepted.

4. Take the ASVAB test (offered through military recruiting offices) to determine job placement. Each job and each service requires a different score. The best source of this information is a recruiter.

5. Pass a physical fitness exam. Some jobs may have additional requirements.

• Active duty is a similar time commitment to working at a full-time civilian job.

• Active-duty service members live on base or in military housing and are immersed in military culture.

• After attending boot camp, recruits are stationed at a base either domestically or overseas.

• Active-duty soldier's terms typically last two to six years. The length of deployment varies depending on a unit's specific mission.

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) provides students the opportunity to prepare for military leadership roles while earning their college degree. It’s a college program offered at over 1,700 colleges and universities across the United States that prepares young adults to become officers in the U.S. Military.  Participation in ROTC typically involves academic coursework, physical training, and leadership development. Upon graduation, students who complete the program become commissioned officers in the U.S. Armed Forces. Each Service branch has its own take on ROTC.

CLICK HERE for more information.

ROTC Process:

1. Research and Application:

   • Explore ROTC programs for the branch of the military you're interested in (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force).

   • Apply to both the ROTC program and the colleges that host the programs.

2. Selection and Enrollment:

   • Acceptance into ROTC programs often considers academic achievement, physical fitness, and leadership potential.

   • Students may participate in the program as non-scholarship members before being awarded a scholarship later.

3. Commitment:

   • Scholarship recipients are generally required to serve in the military after graduation, with the length of service varying by program and scholarship type.

ROTC Scholarship Process:

1. Eligibility and Application:

   • Review the scholarship opportunities, eligibility requirements, and deadlines for the branch you’re applying to.

   • Gather required materials such as high school transcripts, standardized test scores, physical fitness assessments, and letters of recommendation.

2. Deadlines:

   • Deadlines are critical—applications are usually due early in the senior year of high school. Missing a deadline could disqualify you from scholarship consideration.

3. Interviews and Selection:

   • Some programs require an interview or additional assessments. Ensure you prepare and meet all requirements by the stated deadlines.

4. Scholarship Award:

   • Scholarships often cover tuition, fees, and may provide a stipend for books and living expenses. Be sure to fully understand the obligations tied to the scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on a combination of factors, including the applicant’s qualifications, the availability of scholarships at each school, and the rank order of the schools listed.  While your preferences are taken into account, the final decision also depends on where the ROTC program needs candidates and whether your selected colleges have available slots.

Encouragement to Stay Organized:

• Create a timeline for all applications, including ROTC and college admissions deadlines.

• Regularly check program websites and communicate with recruiters to ensure you’re on track.

• Start early to give yourself time to collect necessary documents and prepare for any required fitness or academic assessments.

By staying informed and organized, you’ll be well-prepared to take advantage of the opportunities offered through ROTC and its scholarships.

READ this quick article about the difference between an ROTC scholarship and the Service Academies (discussed below).

Airforce ROTC HS Scholarship Application Process: https://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/high-school/application/

Army ROTC Scholarship Process: https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/find-your-path/army-officers/rotc/scholarships 

For students who want to experience a military environment while getting a college education, the five service academies offer a fully-funded tuition that includes books, board and medical and dental care. 

These are the five service academies that students can apply to: 

• • Army - The United States Military Academy - West Point

  • Navy -  United States Naval Academy

  • Air Force - United States Air Force Academy

  • Merchant Marines - United States Merchant Marine Academy - 

  • Coast Guard - United States Coast Guard Academy

  • Watch Navigating the Military Academy Admission Process 

Deerfield High School
The process of applying for nominations and applying to the Service Academies takes concentration, attention to detail, and following the prescribed timeline strictly.
Meet with your postsecondary counselor early in the Spring of Junior year to prepare the necessary materials to apply for your nominations to the multiple elected officials, ROTC programs and summer programs.
Make sure you request teacher recommendations 2nd semester of Junior year from two teachers, one in mathematics and one in science.
Students applying for the US Service Academies are encouraged to apply to ROTC programs. Since ROTC students will receive financial aid and a commissioned officer rank, it is important to have this as a backup plan. (Please refer to the ROTC program page on the CCRC for more info)

Nomination Process
Before students can apply to the Service Academies, students will need a nomination from an elected official, during the Spring of Junior year.

• • Apply to the 2 IL senators, your Congressional representative & the Vice President.  If you are NOT nominated through any of these competitive processes, you could still be placed on a national wait list.

  • Nominators evaluate candidates during the summer and make decisions in early fall. Applicants need to visit each official’s website for specific nomination instructions & timelines.

    • Congressman Schneider IL 10 Military Academy Nomination 

  • Once you have submitted your nomination applications, apply to each Service Academy application through their website.

• Chicago Area Service Academy Nominators

  • IL Senators – apply to both Senators

    • https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/IL 

  • IL Representatives - nomination should be from your district

  • The Vice President 

    • https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-trump-administration/academy-nominations/

  • It is also possible to receive a nomination from someone who is serving or who has served in the US military.